Predictive interfaces represent a shift from reactive to anticipatory experiences, where systems prepare for user needs before users have to ask. These interfaces study patterns in behavior, context, and similar users' actions to predict what you'll likely want next. Good anticipatory design makes interactions smoother by showing relevant options at just the right time. For example, food delivery apps show your favorite restaurants around dinner time or suggest dishes you might enjoy based on past orders. Navigation apps might display your commute time to work on weekday mornings without you searching for directions. Email applications offer appropriate response suggestions based on the message you received.

Unlike basic automation that simply follows fixed rules, anticipatory design uses AI to understand patterns and make intelligent predictions. This creates design challenges around accuracy and user comfort. Predictions that miss the mark feel intrusive and waste interface space, while predictions that are too accurate without context might feel uncomfortable to users. Designers must carefully balance when to show predictions, how to present them, and always maintain user control over the experience.^[1]